Duterte wants to ban public smoking in Philippines

Philippine president, facing criticism for his war on drugs, plans to roll out countrywide smoking ban this month.

12 Oct 2016 07:09 GMT

Davao city, which enforced a successful smoking ban under Duterte's mayorship, is being touted as a role model [Associated Press]

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who is under fire for his deadly war on illegal drugs, is planning to impose a nationwide ban on smoking in public before the end of this month.

The country’s health minister told the Associated Press news agency on Tuesday that her department was pushing for the ban to start before a law providing for graphic health warnings on tobacco products was fully implemented on November 4.

Paulyn Ubial said Duterte wants a 100 percent smoke-free environment in public places similar to Davao, the southern city where he was formerly mayor.

Designated smoking areas are to be outdoors and away from the public, and local government units will be asked to issue ordinances to enforce the smoking ban and set penalties.